Sheep trait recording tools

AgResearch focuses on developing tools that can help farmers select sheep with the genetic traits for greater immunity, and making these tools available to the industry.

It is estimated that approximately 30% of New Zealand's sheep meat and wool production is dependent on the use of anthelmintics. Therefore, in economic terms, about $1,200 million worth of sheep exports are supported by the use of approximately $80 million of anthelmintic.

Alternative methods of controlling internal parasites are needed, because of the widespread anthelmintic resistance by the parasites concerned (greater than 65% of farms have a species resistant to at least one chemical action family) and the costs of the chemical control.